Botched eye surgeries: Probe panel awaiting lab reports

A three-member panel, probing the botched cataract surgeries in Barwani district that caused 50 people to lose vision in one eye, is awaiting reports from laboratories to determine the cause behind the incident.
"To arrive at conclusion, we need to have solid documents and therefore we are awaiting reports of different microbiology laboratories, including in Kolkata and Delhi, where samples were sent for testing," an official associated with the probe told PTI today.
As many as 50 persons lost vision in one eye after they contracted severe infection at the government-run camp where 86 cataract surgeries were performed during November 16-21. According to reports, a sub-standard drug was used which led to the infection.

The probe panel comprises Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, the Dean of Government MGM Medical College, and a Microbiology department professor at All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Meanwhile, three NGOs - Swasthya Adhikar Manch, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, MP, and Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) - have raised questions over the ongoing probe.
According to 'Swasthya Adhikar Manch', the outcome of the probe is already "fixed" and investigators are trying to "shield" the culprits.
"Most of the affected persons are tribals who are unable to read and write. They did not properly understand Hindi. We interacted with them in their language to know their ordeal and prepared an independent report on the basis of it. But the three member panel refused to entertain it," alleged Amulya Nidhi who is associated with the Manch.

He demanded impartial probe into all aspects of the incident and strong punishment to those responsible for the botched up surgeries.